Teacher's aide to stand trial for alleged student romps

In a surprising move, a judge pulled a plea deal Monday and jury selection began for a New Windsor teacher's aide accused of rape. Former McQuade Children's Services employee Maria Zurita was about to

News 12 Staff

May 28, 2014, 6:58 PM

Updated 3,620 days ago

Share:

Teacher's aide to stand trial for alleged student romps
In a surprising move, a judge pulled a plea deal Monday and jury selection began for a New Windsor teacher's aide accused of rape.
Former McQuade Children's Services employee Maria Zurita was about to accept the deal when the judge pulled it off the table. The move came after Zurita accused another woman of lying about the incident. The judge said, "If she wants to testify, she can take the stand."
Zurita will now stand trial for third-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child.
She allegedly had sex at her home last May with two 16-year-old boys from McQuade. The nonprofit school serves troubled and special needs children.
Former McQuade teacher Rebecca Becker pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in September. School officials had hoped Zurita's case would also be resolved quickly.
"The damage that was done to the kids is one that lasts a long time," said McQuade President and CEO David Jacobsen. "I know it's been a struggle for us ? in trying to recover from that."
According to Jacobsen, the school has revamped its staff training.


More from News 12
0:32
Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

1:30
Chilly temps in the Hudson Valley will warm up as afternoon sunshine rolls in

Chilly temps in the Hudson Valley will warm up as afternoon sunshine rolls in

2:04
Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

1:35
 White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

0:21
Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

0:31
Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

0:23
New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

2:16
New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

0:26
Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

0:23
Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held

Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held

0:21
Greenwood Lake Board of Trustees appoints interim mayor

Greenwood Lake Board of Trustees appoints interim mayor

0:23
Police: 18-year-old facing charges in Walden shooting

Police: 18-year-old facing charges in Walden shooting

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

0:35
Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe